Inside Drones (Apr 27th, 2018)

The U.S. House of Representatives signed off on a bill that would, among other things, ban weapons on smaller drones. The FAA legislation still requires approval from the Senate. U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, proposed the provision to fine drone users $25,000 if they add a weapon to their aircraft. The FAA could grant exceptions in certain cases. In proposing the ban, Burgess has cited the 2015 case of a Connecticut drone pilot who posted a video of a drone mounted with a handgun. The pilot, an 18-year-old student, was never charged. - USA TODAY

Drones could help crews inspect and repair the Great Wall of China. The China Foundation For Cultural Heritage Conservation signed an agreement with Intel this week to explore using UAVs and AI to preserve the 13,170-mile wall. Restoration efforts can be difficult because most sections are located on steep hills, surrounded by vegetation. Intel's drones would capture images of the walls, while 3D modeling could help locate damaged and missing sections. - XINHUA

Spanish authorities will use drones to monitor traffic across the country. The Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), Spain's traffic authority, plans to use fine drones to monitor roads during a public holiday on May 1, when millions of travelers are expected in the country. It will roll out the drones on other occasions as well. The drones will focus exclusively on traffic regulation, protecting cyclists and monitoring special event such as the upcoming Motorcycling Grand Prix, according to the DGT. - THE LOCAL

A woman who sued a fraternity after she was hit on the head with a drone has reached a settlement in the case. Alina Pituch suffered a head injury when the drone fell on her head, causing it to bleed, during a party at a frat house in 2015. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Pituch recently settled with the USC fraternity chapter and an event-planning company, which produced the party and hired the drone operator to take photos there. Terms of the settlement with Pi Kappa Phi's Delta Rho Chapter and the Perfect Event Inc. were not disclosed. - LA TIMES

Saudi Arabia is close to passing new drone regulations. The government appears to have fast-tracked the updated rules after a drone was caught flying near King Salman’s royal palace last week. Security guards spotted the recreational drone in the neighborhood of Khuzama in Riyadh. It was later shot down, which sparked fears among people who heard the gunfire, according to the Washington Post. Now, the country's interior ministry is asking drone users to obtain permission before they fly. According to the Saudi press agency, regulations governing remote-controlled drones are in the final stages. - THE DRIVE

DJI and a European agency have partnered on a pilot project to utilize drones during emergencies. The Chinese drone manufacturer and the European Emergency Number Association (EENA) will work together to help emergency agencies in Ireland and Wales integrate and deploy drones. The project will help them research better framework for how agencies across Europe can use drones in emergency situations, according to reports. - DRONE DJ

Watch this drone deliver pizza!

In one of his latest videos, YouTuber Casey Neistat explores the art of delivering pizza by drone in the city.

Saudi Arabia is close to passing new drone regulations. The government appears to have fast-tracked the updated rules after a drone was caught flying near King Salman’s royal palace last week. Security guards spotted the recreational drone in the neighborhood of Khuzama in Riyadh. It was later shot down, which sparked fears among people who heard the gunfire, according to the Washington Post. Now, the country's interior ministry is asking drone users to obtain permission before they fly. According to the Saudi press agency, regulations governing remote-controlled drones are in the final stages. - THE DRIVE